Tigers' Jim Leyland continues to look for spots to use Al Alburquerque

DETROIT -- Jim Leyland continues to look for spots to use relief pitcher Al Alburquerque, who has pitched just once since going on the disabled list Aug. 12 after he suffered a concussion when he was hit in the head by a line drive during batting practice.

“I've been trying to get the right spot for him to get him back out there and get a feel for being back on the mound, getting him back acclimated to being on the mound and pitching in bigger situations,” Leyland said. “But sometimes you've got to put him in a lesser situation to start with and let him be in a little bit of a comfort zone.”

Alburquerque struck out the first two batters he faced Tuesday in his first game after coming off the disabled list, but he walked the next two batters and allowed an infield single before being replaced by Daniel Schlereth.

Leyland: Dirks does things right
The Twins are known for being fundamentally sound and for playing the game the right way under manager Ron Gardenhire.

According to Leyland, Tigers outfielder Andy Dirks would fit in well in Minnesota.

“He reminds me kind of a Twins player,” Leyland said. “He does things right, hits the cutoff man, runs the bases right. He's not a superstar, but he plays the game right. … He's a pretty good fundamental player all around.”